Earth Day is celebrated internationally tomorrow, 22 April. The theme for this year’s Earth Day is “It’s our turn to lead” and calls on all global citizens to help protect our beautiful environment. The Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA) encourages all South Africans to take this challenge home.

Earth Day is one of the largest civil observances in the world with one billion people participating in activities each year. The IWMSA urges South Africans to take a stand all year round and join its plight for a healthy future for everyone.

Dr Suzan Oelofse, president of the IWMSA shares her top tips for making every day Earth Day, she explains that, “reducing personal consumption is not always an easy task to tackle, but there are a few doable steps you can follow throughout the year to help protect our environment for future generations; you may also save money in the process”:

Sort your cupboards and closets first before hitting the shops

“With the winter months approaching, sorting your cupboards and closets will help you to focus on the things you really need,” says Oelofse. Sort clothes that are too big, too small or is simply not you anymore and donate these items to the less-privileged. “Donations are a form of re-use which will cut your waste while helping people in need, especially during winter time,” adds Oelofse.

Plan your shopping trip

Window-shopping only leads you to temptation to buy the things that you don’t necessarily need. “Impulsive purchases are often left unused and eventually ends up in the dustbin,” shares Oelofse. “Rather draw up a shopping list of the things you need beforehand. This is especially important when purchasing perishable food as it usually gets spoiled and ends up at landfill sites. The challenge to this step is to stick to the shopping list.”

Set up a meal planner

When cooking food, try to use the oldest ingredients first before its shelf life expires. Oelofse advises to regularly rotate or sort cupboards according to shelf life as it will help you to access your oldest stock quicker and easier. “Prepare just enough food for the amount of people that will be enjoying the meal. If there is food left over, use it for a delicious soup or start your own home composting system. Cooking just enough food will cut your waste and even save electricity,” says Oelofse.

“Rather than spending money on the latest and newest products, challenge yourself to see with how little you can get along with. A little really does go a long way,” suggests Oelofse. This will not only save you money, but save the environment’s valuable resources.

Buy eco-products

Melissa Baird, editor of Green Home magazine, says, “We are seeing more eco-products making its way onto shopping shelves that are good for the environment and great for your home as they don’t contain harsh chemicals. Consumers should shop around and find out what works for them when making new choices.” For those who are unsure where to start, visit The Green Home Fair at Brooklyn Mall from 27 to 28 June 2015. The Fair forms part of the annual Sustainability Week and consumers will be treated to the latest in-home and décor products.

With these easy steps, everyone can make every day Earth Day. “Protecting our earth through reduced consumerism, saves you money!  It is a win-win situation,” concludes Oelofse.

About Earth Day

The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970. It activated 20 million Americans from all walks of life and is widely credited with launching the modern environmental movement. The passage of the landmark Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act and many other groundbreaking environmental laws soon followed. Growing out of the first Earth Day, the Earth Day Network works with over 22 000 partners in 192 countries to broaden, diversify and mobilize the environmental movement.